“Vanilla?” I offer with a sheepish shrug.
She laughs. “Christian, this is beautiful. Thank you. It’s yar.” Her fingers fondle the small heart on the bracelet. It’s a locket: I thought it appropriate, as I’ve never given anyone my heart before. Ana’s been the one to unlock it, walk right in, and make herself at home there.
Sappy, Grey. “You can put a picture or whatever in that.”
“A picture of you.” She peers at me through her lashes. “Always in my heart.”
She makes me feel ten feet tall.
Her fingertips brush over the C and A letter charms that signify the two of us, then over the white-gold key. She looks up again, a question burning in her bright blue eyes.
“To my heart and soul,” I whisper. She lets out a strangled cry and launches herself at me, taking me by surprise as she throws her arms around my neck. I cradle her in my lap.
“It’s such a thoughtful present. I love it. Thank you.” Her voice breaks on the last word.
Oh, baby. I tighten my arms around her.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she says through her tears.
I swallow, trying to digest her words and ignore the pang deep in my chest. “Please don’t cry.” My voice is husky with emotion. I love that she needs me.
She sniffs. “I’m sorry. I’m just so happy and sad and anxious at the same time. It’s bittersweet.”
“Hey.” I tip her head back and press my lips to hers. “I understand.”
“I know,” she says with a sad smile.
“I wish we were in happier circumstances, and at home. But we’re here.” I give her an apologetic hug. Neither of us could have foreseen this situation. “Come, up you go. After breakfast, we’ll check on Ray.”
“Okay.” Her smile is a little cheerier when I leave her so she can dress.
In the living room I order granola, yogurt, and berries for Ana, an omelet for me.
It’s gratifying to see that Ana’s appetite has returned. She wolfs down her breakfast, a woman on a mission, but I don’t comment. It’s her birthday and I want her happy.
Actually, I want her happy pretty much all the time.
“Thank you for ordering my favorite breakfast.”
“It’s your birthday. And you have to stop thanking me.”
“I just want you to know that I appreciate it.”
“Anastasia, it’s what I do.”
I want to take care of you. I’ve told you more than once.
She smiles. “Yes, it is.”
Once she’s finished her breakfast, I ask as nonchalantly as possible if we should go. I’m excited to give her the car.
“I’ll just brush my teeth.”
I smirk. “Okay.”
The little v forms between her brows as she frowns—I think she suspects something’s afoot—but she says nothing and heads to the bathroom. I text Taylor to let him know that we’re leaving imminently.
As we walk to the elevators, I notice that Ana is wearing her new charm bracelet. Grasping her hand, I kiss her knuckles. My thumb grazes the helicopter charm. “You like?”
“More than like. I love it. Very much. Like you.”
I kiss her fingers once more while we wait for the elevator.
The elevator.
Where it all started. Where I lost control.
Ceded control, Grey.
Yes. She’s had you on a tight leash since you met her.
Ana’s eyes flit to mine as we enter.
Is she thinking what I’m thinking? “Don’t,” I whisper, as I push the button for the lobby and the doors slide shut.
“Don’t what?” She peeks at me through her lashes, coy and provocative at once.
“Look at me like that.”
“Fuck the paperwork,” she says, with a wide grin.
I laugh and tug her into my arms and tilt her face to mine. “Someday, I’ll rent this elevator for a whole afternoon.”
“Just the afternoon?” She raises an eyebrow, and it’s a challenge.
“Mrs. Grey, you’re greedy.”
“When it comes to you, I am.”
“I’m very glad to hear it.” I plant a tender kiss on her lips, but as I pull away, Ana’s fingers curl around the nape of my neck, pulling my mouth to hers. Her tongue is insistent, demanding access, and she pushes me against the wall, pressing her body against mine. I kiss her back as desire flares like a comet inside me.
What I thought would be a courtly, respectful expression of affection becomes darker, needier, hotter.
More.
So much more.
Her tongue is relentless, mating with mine.
Fuck.
I want her. Here. In this elevator.
Again.
We kiss. Tongues. Lips. Hands. All playing a role.
My fingers tightening in her hair while her hands caress my face. “Ana,” I breathe, fighting my desire.
“I love you, Christian Grey.” She’s breathy and restless, her eyes full of promise. “Don’t forget that.” The elevator stops, the doors open, and she puts some space between us.
Hell.
My blood is running fast and thick through my body.
“Let’s go see your father before I decide to rent this today.” I kiss her quickly and, taking her hand, head out into the lobby. I’m grateful that I’m wearing my jacket.